Teaching Guide: The Nobel Prize in Physics: Four Historical Case Studies
Students will investigate four historical case studies of physicists who some historians and physicists have argued should have won a Nobel Prize: Arnold Sommerfeld, Lise Meitner, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Satyendra Nath Bose. With each Case Study, students examine the historical context surrounding the prize that year (if applicable) as well as potential biases inherent in the structure of the Nobel Prize committee and its selection process. Students will summarize arguments for why these four physicists should have been awarded a Nobel Prize in physics, as well as potential explanations for why they were not awarded the honor.
Arnold Sommerfeld and Niels Bohr in Lund, Sweden. Image courtesy of Emilio Segrè Visual Archives.
Students will investigate four historical case studies of physicists who some historians and physicists have argued should have won a Nobel Prize: Arnold Sommerfeld, Lise Meitner, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Satyendra Nath Bose. With each Case Study, students examine the historical context surrounding the prize that year (if applicable) as well as potential biases inherent in the structure of the Nobel Prize committee and its selection process. Students will summarize arguments for why these four physicists should have been awarded a Nobel Prize, as well as potential explanations for why they were not awarded the honor.
Grade level(s): 9-12, College
Guide subjects: Chemistry, Contemporary, History, Mathematics, Physics
Minority Group(s): Women, Immigrants
In-class time: 50 - 60 minutes
Prep time: 15 - 20 minutes
Technology Requirements: Student web access optional, Audio/Video optional
Common Core Standards: Reading: Informational Text, Speaking & Listening, History/Social Studies, Subject Writing